Chiesa del Gesu'

The Chiesa del Santissimo Nome di Gesù, also known as Il Gesù, is situated in Rome. Nowadays it is the mother church of the Compagnia di Gesù, founded by Ignazio di Lovola in 1551.

This church represents an important turning point in art history. Built according to the spirit of the decrees of the Trento Council, it was projected to have a single nave so that the faithful could focalise their attention on the alter and the Priest.

Due to lack of funds, constructiononly began in 1568. Based on a project elaborated by Michelangelo and, in a second moment, by Vignola, it was realised with a big nave and a lateral pulpit, making it easier for the priest to preach. There was also a central alter for the Eucharist celebration.

The central fresco illustrates the apotheosis of Saint Ignatius by Giovan Battista Gaulli, also called the Baciccio, and is named Trionfo del Nome di Gesù.

Its consacration comes about in the year 1584.

In the XVI century, Francesco Borgia commissioned the construction of a Chapel on the right hand side of the church and dedicated it to Saint Francis from Assisi (1599), however in 1920 the chapel is renamed the Sacro Cuore.

With regard to the artistic style, it is very difficult to attribute the Franciscan cycle paintings to precise artists. The only painting that can certainly be attributed to an author is the Pala delle Stimmate by Durante Albert.